What is a history degree like?

This is mainly for those who are studying or have studied history at uni, but free to anyone who would like to answer. What pros and cons have there been during your history degree? What is the work like? Any tips for someone going to study history?

Reply 1

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

Original post by eiosa

Hi,

I'm a first year History student at LJMU. I think the most important part of enjoying a degree is the specific course you choose. I feel like my motivation comes from the fact that I find my modules really interesting. There is a lot of reading for studying history, which feels easy and natural when it's something you enjoy, but I imagine I would find it quite difficult if the topics were not as fascinating to me. Also, I think the uni itself makes a huge difference, because if someone is unhappy generally it might make it more difficult to enjoy your course. It was important for me to be in a city where I feel safe and comfortable, as well as having lots to do outside of studying, whether that's in or outside of uni. One of the things I really love about my course is that it's mostly essays. As someone who really struggles with exams it feels better to know that I can put all my effort into written assignments without much revision or exam pressure. One tip I'd say is to do some reading about the topics you're going to study if you haven't studied them before. It can be nice to have some background information so it's a bit easier to understand in lectures.

Hope this helps.

Sophie
LJMU Student Rep

Reply 2

eiosa

Thank you! What type of assignments do you get??

Reply 3

Stiffy Byng

A history degree is or ought to be a heap of fun, and enormously intellectually stimulating. The top tip is to read, read, read.

A history degree can be an excellent foundation for many careers, for example: lawyer, teacher, civil servant, diplomat, journalist, or pretty much anything that isn't sciency, mathsy, or medical.